What task might a sanitation worker perform during a routine inspection?

A sanitation worker's role during a routine inspection includes identifying hazards in waste collection areas. This task is crucial for maintaining safety standards and ensuring a healthy environment for both workers and the public. During inspections, sanitation workers are trained to survey their work environment to detect potential risks, such as hazardous materials, unsafe equipment, or difficult working conditions. Recognizing these hazards allows for prompt actions to mitigate risks, ensuring the safety of the sanitation team and the community.

The other options mentioned do not align with the core responsibilities during routine inspections. Collecting waste without assessing conditions could lead to overlooking potential dangers. Repainting waste collection trucks, while important for maintenance, is not part of an inspection task. Scheduling vacation time pertains to human resource management, not the operational duties during inspections.